Fallon Gechter
Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities Nonprofit
Not everyone can come to work every day and make a difference in the lives of others. But it’s something Fallon Gechter has done just about every day for nearly nine years.
As Director of Philanthropy and Community Relations at JARC Florida, Gechter is charged with ensuring that those who call JARC home are provided with everything they need to live happy and fulfilling lives.
“To come here and know I am applying all of the skills I learned over the years and know it makes a difference in someone’s life is incredible for me,” says Gechter, whose job is to make sure the community is aware of JARC and to get them to support its mission.
JARC was created in the mid 1980s to respond to the needs of families with adult children who have developmental disabilities. Its programs include residential homes and apartments, community case management and employment training.
The last year has been particularly challenging, forcing Gechter to think outside the box. “We had to come up with new and creative ways to keep everyone engaged. We utilized technology in ways we never utilized it before,” she says.
In-person classes went on-line. Volunteer visits became virtual. Exercise equipment was purchased so residents could remain active in their own homes. Social media outreach was increased. Phone calls were made to thank donors for their support.
Gechter’s favorite part of the job has always been event planning. Because of the pandemic, the annual gala, along with other fundraising events, also went virtual. But out of the bad has come some good. Families and supporters unable to attend past in-person events were able to be part of this year’s gala.
“We opened a whole new audience of people we never had before,” says Gechter.
Her one wish is that everyone understands how special JARC’s clients are.
“There is such joy and happiness here. Our clients want to wake up, work like the rest of us and hang out with their friends. They should not be seen as anything different. I wish the community at large understood how spectacular they are,” she says.
JARC Florida, 21160 95th Ave. S., Boca Raton, FL 33428, 561-558-2550, jarcfl.org
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